Tag Archives: Westminster Abbey

First of all, apologies that its taken me this long to post something today, thanks to some pretty unpleasant stuff (but dont worry, everythings ok).

I’m sure I don’t need to tell anyone who visits my blog how important the 11th of November is. The day took on a special resonance when on 11 November 1918, the guns fell silent at 11am, ending the First World War on the Western Front. Since then 11am, on the 11th day of the 11th month has been a time to remember the men and women who died during the First World War, the Second World War, and all wars since.

90 years ago today the Cenotaph was erected in Whitehall, and has been the setting for national commemoration ever since. Also in 1920 the Unknown Warrior was buried in Westminster Abbey, in a state funeral attended by Royals, Field Marshals and Generals alike. The concept of remembering a completely unknown soldier was completely new, but captured the imagination of the country – the idea that ALL war dead should be remembered, regardless of who they are. The unknown warrior represents all of his comrades.

Of course on a day like today we remember the more than 5,000 men and women from Portsmouth who died during the First World War, the 2,549 who died during the Second World War, and the men who were killed during wars in Korea, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

But most of all… don’t just remember them for a couple of minutes on one day each year. Remember them every day. Because thats the gap that their loss left in the lives of their family and friends.

For anyone local, the annual Remembrance Sunday Service in Guildhall Square in Portsmouth starts this Sunday at 10.30am. Hope to see you there.